The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay has called for consultations this Friday with the ambassador of Brazil in Asunción, José Antonio Marcondes de Carvalho, to formally express the Government's displeasure over recent statements by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva regarding the origin of the conflict that faced both countries between 1864 and 1870.
The citation comes a week after Lula referred to the so-called War of the Triple Alliance, in which Uruguay and Argentina fought alongside Brazil, as an example to justify the importance of reinforcing spending on defense and security.
"We like peace, but we cannot forget that one fine day Paraguay decided to invade Brazil. They invaded Corumba and, at the same time, Uruguay and Argentina. And that war, which seemed insignificant, lasted five years," recalled Lula, words that have provoked the indignation of Paraguayan authorities, who consider that historical view to be mistaken.
The Paraguayan Foreign Minister, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, explained in a press conference that the Brazilian diplomat was summoned at noon at the Ministry's headquarters, where he will be handed a verbal note of protest. "We will always defend the highest interests of Paraguay," he stated.
"The dignity of Paraguay is not negotiable," Ramírez emphasized, who also pointed out that both Lula da Silva and President Santiago Peña "have spoken by phone about this delicate matter." He underscored, however, that there are numerous ties that unite both States, with intense cooperation in various areas.
Before this step by the Executive, the Paraguayan Congress approved on Wednesday a letter rejecting the statements of the Brazilian leader, understanding that they "distort and minimize history," especially regarding what is considered the largest military conflict in South America.
"The Chamber urges that the historical events that have profoundly marked our peoples be addressed with sensitivity, respect, and responsibility, and with a spirit of reconciliation," the text states.
The War of the Triple Alliance began in late 1864, when Paraguay decided to intervene in support of one side of the Uruguayan civil war, while the opposing side was backed by Brazil and Argentina.
In reaction to the Brazilian military presence in Uruguayan territory, Paraguay launched in December of that year an incursion into the then province of Mato Grosso, which triggered a war that left deep historical consequences and serious losses for the country, including the cession of extensive territories.